A platform for travelers interested in the socio-environmental reality of the countries they are traveling through. A platform to meet the change-makers behind the scenes and how they engage to tackle these problems.

Urban Planning and Transport

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Paramaribo is a city of about 250.000 people. Despite its relative small number of citizens, the number of cars driving around is quite astonishing. It is absolutely no exception that families in Paramaribo have several cars. From 2005 to 2009 more than 54.000 new cars joined the roads of Paramaribo. The result is, of course, traffic jams especially during rush hours, as well as air pollution from exhaust fumes.

Although Suriname has a public transport system (with state-owned as well as privately run buses) that are quite affordable (the public buses are subsidized and are really cheap), an increased offer and quality of public transport systems could surely bring down the number of cars driving through Paramaribo each day.

One of the many public buses running through Paramaribo and its outskirts

Cyclistsand pedestriants are hardly seen in town (apart from some Dutch tourists and interns who do no give up their habits from back home) – no wonder, since cycle paths do not exist and cars drive dangerously close to both pedestrians and cyclists.

That’s me on a bike in Paramaribo (on a typical Dutch bicycle, so don’t wonder why there’s no break!)

As mentioned before, flooding is a serious problem for many parts in Suriname. Since drainage systems are insufficient, any major rainfall will cause water levels on the streets to rise substantially.

Road completely flooded after a heavy rainfall in Paramaribo.

A more serious urban planning and execution of recommendations will be needed if the country wants to ensure citizens‘ well-being and efficient transport systems!